Permanent continuous radiopaque marker a game-changer during breast cancer surgery
Broward Health continues to be at the forefront of advances in cancer treatment and is the first hospital system in Broward County to utilize the VeraForm® marker for breast cancer surgery.
When a lesion is removed during lumpectomy, this 3D radiopaque tissue marker is placed in the tumor bed as an enhanced target for radiographic planning and treatment.
“Unlike metal clips that only define a single point, VeraForm comprehensively delineates the tumor bed with much more accuracy,” Alia Abdulla, D.O., FACS, a breast surgical oncologist with the Broward Health Physician Group, said. “This is essential for accurately targeting postsurgical boost doses or partial breast irradiation to avoid harming healthy tissue.”
When performing surgery on breast cancer patients, Dr. Abdulla places this multi-plane marker around the perimeter of the tumor bed cavity when a lesion is removed. Taking only a few minutes to insert, VeraForm provides a lasting target, not felt by the patient, that can be viewed by a radiation oncologist under X-ray and CT without resultant artifact in MRI or ultrasound.
“VeraForm creates a 3-D target that can be viewed through imaging modalities including mammograms, X-ray and computerized X-ray imaging procedures,” Dr. Abdulla said.
In July, the American Journal of Clinical Oncology published a peer-reviewed study comparing the VeraForm marker to surgical clips for targeting breast cancer radiotherapy treatment following breast-conserving surgery. The marker continuously outperformed surgical clips in tumor bed delineation both in standard lumpectomy and complex oncoplastic reconstruction.
“At Broward Health, we are committed to providing comprehensive, experienced cancer care through advanced technology,” Dr. Abdulla said. “Our multidisciplinary team provides an individualized, holistic approach working together to ensure patients receive the highest quality care during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.”
For more information on Broward Health’s cancer services, visit BrowardHealth.org/Beatcancer.
